Pedestrian activity is the hallmark of a successfully revitalized downtown.

The Downtown and Community Revitalization Department is supporting new events in order to create a consistent attraction to the Downtown area and bring more life to the sidewalk. In 2009, the Department sponsored two new festivals, celebrating motorcycles and Armenian culture, during two consecutive weekends on the Fulton Mall. Both events are planned to repeat in 2010 and on an annual basis.

By creating a new nonprofit — Downtown Fresno Arts, Culture, Entertainment & Sports (or “Downtown FACES”) — to manage events in the future, the Department aims to fill the year with exciting downtown activities. All events will be centered on Downtown Fresno’s Fulton Mall, the site of Fresno’s historic “Main Street,” and adjoining Chukchansi Park. The Department and the City are also exploring the idea of transferring management of the Mall from the Parks Department to Downtown and Community Revitalization.

You can help make these downtown events a success — not just by attending, but by investing as a sponsor or volunteer. For more information, contact Elliott Balch, City of Fresno Downtown Revitalization Manager, by email or at (559) 621-8350.

Fulton RevFest: Motorcycle Parade & Show — May 29-30, 2009
A 80-bike Friday night motorcycle parade down the Fulton Mall kicked off the first annual RevFest. On Saturday motorcycles were judged in 11 categories, while their proud owners and the public enjoyed a day of great blues music, delicious food, cold beer, raffle prizes, and more.

Fresno HyeFest: Armenian Food and Culture — June 5-6, 2009
Author William Saroyan may have been the most famous Armenian-American to frequent the streets of Downtown Fresno, but Armenian culture has been part of Valley life since the first immigrants arrived in 1881. The Department teamed with local Armenian churches, service organizations, and individuals to share the excitement of Armenian music, dance, food, and tradition with the Valley community.

Market on the Mall — Every Wednesday & Friday
Stock up on high-quality fresh produce from Valley growers at this certified farmers’ market organized by the Fresno County Economic Opportunities Commission and the Downtown Association of Fresno, with support from the Department. Running from 10am to 2pm on the Fulton Mall near the Mariposa stage, the market is an easy lunchtime walk from thousands of downtown offices and the Courthouse Park bus station.